The UAE chaired the 33^rd meeting of GCC ministers of youth and sports. The meeting provided approval to the organisation of the second edition of the Gulf Youth Forum, in collaboration with the Arab Youth Centre in Abu Dhabi. The UAE stressed on the importance of strengthening the cooperation between ministries of youth and sports in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. It also highlighted youth’s role in safeguarding the communities in region from the global crisis impact.

Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al-Hajraf, Secretary-General of the GCC thanked the UAE in his speech for serving the Gulf and Arab youth while extending initiatives that helped in knowledge development and expertise to help serve their communities. He further extended his thanks to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and President of the Arab Youth Centre, for providing at centre a permanent hall for the GCC. He said it highlights the council’s role in serving Gulf and Arab youth. He further said that throughout the year hall will host various GCC activities.

Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said in her speech, “The UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, strongly believes that the Gulf and Arab youth are the true capital of our region and the road to the future will be built by their hands.”

She extended her thanks to the leaders of the GCC countries for empowering and believing in the youth and playing a role in their skills development. She also thanked Dr. Al Hajraf and GCC ministers of youth and sports for their role in serving the youth.

WAM